James, McNeal too much for Maryland-Baltimore County

James and McNeal scored 22 of their 32 combined points in the
first half as the 20th-ranked Golden Eagles knocked off outmanned
Maryland-Baltimore County, 68-46, in a non-conference contest.

Playing its entire December schedule at home, Marquette (10-2)
dropped two of its first three home games, sandwiching losses to
North Dakota State on December 2 and Wisconsin last Saturday
around an unimpressive victory vs. Delaware State on December 5.

"I think coming off the Wisconsin loss it made guys come out
even more hungry and ready to go," McNeal said. "We had an
unbelievable week in practice, probably the best of the year,
and I knew it would carry into the game.

"The things we have been doing all week carried over really
well. We came out and jumped on them early and never really let
them back into the game."

James and McNeal kept the Golden Eagles in the contest against
the Badgers, combining for 35 points in the eventual 70-66
defeat. This time, the duo's performance was too much for the
Retrievers (4-7), who dropped to 0-3 all-time in the series.

James scored 12 and McNeal added 10 and the Golden Eagles sank
5-of-10 3-pointers en route to a 36-14 halftime lead. Marquette
put together a 13-0 run during the half and its defense held the
Retrievers to 30 percent (6-of-20)
shooting.

"The first half was one of the best defensive efforts of the
entire year," Marquette coach Tom Crean said. "That is where we
want to be. We are on the cusp of playing really good
basketball. Our execution was pretty good today. We are happy
to be on a one-game winning streak with a 10-2 record."

James finished with 17 points on 8-of-16 shooting and six
assists while McNeal had 15, making 3-of-5 3-pointers.

"We just went back to the basics, watched some early film and
saw how we played earlier this season," James said. "When we
get easy baskets and have good ball movement, it gets us going."

Lazar Hayward added 13 points and six offensive rebounds in 16
minutes off the bench for Marquette. The freshman forward has
scored in double figures in three straight games.

"Lazar's development has been rapid," Crean said. "When his
defense catches up with his offensive momentum, we are really
going to have something. We are getting there. We are excited
about his development."